News You Can Use: Microsoft reports 600 Million Cyberattacks a Day!

In today's digital landscape, cybersecurity has become a huge concern for businesses of all sizes. Microsoft's 2024 Digital Defense Report reveals a startling reality that demands immediate attention from business leaders.

The Escalating Cyber Threat Landscape

The volume and sophistication of cyber-attacks have reached unprecedented levels. Microsoft reports that its customers face over 600 million cyberattacks daily - targeting individuals, corporations, and critical infrastructure. This surge in cyber threats is being driven by the convergence of cybercriminal and nation-state activities, accelerated by advancements in AI.

Check out DataBreachToday's coverage here

Evolving Attack Strategies

• Password-Based Attacks and MFA Evasion - Despite the widespread adoption of multi-factor authentication (MFA), password-based attacks remain a dominant cyber threat, accounting for over 99% of all identity-related cyber incidents. Attackers are evolving their tactics, with an increase in phishing attacks in 2024, enabling them to bypass MFA protections.

• Ransomware continues to be one of the most serious cybersecurity concerns, evolving from a financially motivated crime to a sophisticated geopolitical tool. The report noted an increase in attacks targeting critical infrastructure and various public and industry sectors.

What You Can Do

• Implement Robust Identity Protection: Transition to passwordless solutions and adopt phishing-resistant MFA alternatives.

• Enhance Cloud Security: Exclude unmanaged devices from the network and improve monitoring for cloud identity infrastructure.

• Leverage AI for Defense: Utilize AI-powered tools for threat detection and faster threat triage.

• Adopt Layered Security: Implement endpoint detection and response solutions with tamper protection features.

• Conduct Threat-Informed Defense: Use threat-informed defense apps to view critical assets from an adversary's perspective.

By taking these steps and prioritizing cybersecurity as a critical business imperative, you can better protect your organization from the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape. Remember, in today's digital age, effective cybersecurity is not just about defense—it's about enabling your business to thrive securely in an interconnected world.

We’ll continue to keep you informed about emerging Voice and IT news. Let’s talk about your business communications game plan for the upcoming year. Contact CTS today at 800.787.4848 or jnolte@ctsmd.us.

Looking toward the Holidays… Successful Small & Mid-sized Businesses are implementing resilient Unified Communication

As many SMBs prepare for the peak retail season, there’s no better time to implement UC tools into business practices. Customers will spend money with businesses that are easy to communicate with and can solve any issues that may arise quickly and efficiently.

Employees looking to pick up holiday work will also be attracted to businesses with systems that make their jobs and lives easier. Modernized UC tools set SMBs up for long-term business growth and stability in our dynamic, competitive marketplace.

Modern UC is more than a phone on a desk. Today’s UC tools are integral in streamlining business processes by combining features like Team messaging, AI-powered chatbots, Video chat, and Third-party app integrations.

• Delivering an Optimal Customer Experience - Modern UC solutions provide SMBs with the flexibility to connect with customers on their preferred channels – whether it be contact center, SMS, Web chat, email, social media, or even virtual agents. Look for UC solutions that easily follow a customer conversation from virtual chat to phone to email. 

• Providing Flexibility to Employees - Unsurprisingly, 98% of employees want to work remotely at least part of the time. As your workforce moves toward a hybrid work model, long-distance collaboration will be essential. One easy-to-use tool simplifies this process for both employees and IT departments bringing together phone, chat or messaging, audio and video conferencing, web collaboration, and more. 

• The Cost Consideration - Lost productivity from poor communications strategies can cost SMBs significant dollars – funds that small business owners can’t afford to lose. They need reliable UC tools that are scalable and can grow and change alongside their business. Their UC deployment models must adapt to what’s best for business - whether that’s on-premises, in a private or public Cloud, or hybrid. 

Set yourself up for success. Let’s talk about UC tools that can help you get ahead.

Contact CTS today: 800.787.4848 or jnolte@ctsmd.us.

Microsoft Teams Voice Falling Short? Consider integrating it with RingCentral 

Are you a business leader using Microsoft Teams for voice communication but feeling underwhelmed? You're not alone. 

While Teams offers robust collaboration features, its voice capabilities may not meet all your needs. Integrating RingCentral with Teams could be the solution you're looking for.

Why Consider RingCentral Integration?

• Enhanced Voice Quality: RingCentral is known for its superior voice quality and reliability, addressing common audio issues experienced with Teams

• Advanced Call Management: Gain access to more sophisticated call routing, queuing, and handling options that may be lacking in Teams

• Improved Analytics: RingCentral offers comprehensive call analytics and reporting, providing deeper insights into your communication patterns

• Global Coverage: Benefit from RingCentral's extensive global network, ensuring better call quality and connectivity worldwide

Key Benefits of Integration

• Seamless Experience: Use Teams' familiar interface while leveraging RingCentral's powerful voice features.

• Cost Efficiency: Potentially reduce costs by optimizing your voice infrastructure.

• Scalability: Easily scale your voice capabilities as your business grows.

• Flexibility: Choose which features to use from each platform, tailoring the solution to your needs.

Next Steps

• Assess your current voice communication challenges with Teams.

• Explore RingCentral's integration options with Microsoft Teams.

• Consider a pilot program to test the integrated solution.

• Evaluate the impact on call quality, user satisfaction, and overall communication efficiency.

By integrating RingCentral with Microsoft Teams, you can address voice quality issues and improve the collaboration tools your team depends on. Adopting this hybrid approach offers the best of both services for more reliable and seamless communications.

Contact our RingCentral + Teams experts today at 800.787.4848 or jnolte@ctsmd.us.

Tech Tax Break… Time to Leverage Your 2024 Section 179 Deduction

Act now! The IRS code’s Section 179 deduction encourages businesses to invest in the technology and equipment they need to grow, while also reducing their tax liability in 2024.

This year’s Section 179 deduction is $1,220,000. The deduction includes both new and used qualified equipment. In addition, businesses can take advantage of 60% bonus depreciation on both new and used equipment for 2024.

Remember to keep delivery times in mind when making your Section 179 purchases for 2024.

The deduction applies to both leased and purchased equipment and software. When you buy, you can deduct the total amount from your taxes. When you lease, you pay the monthly lease payments, but you still get to deduct the total purchase price from your taxes.

Whether you choose to purchase or lease, you'll need to put the equipment/software into service by the end of the day on December 31, 2024.

For more details visit: Section 179 and check out this handy Savings Calculator.

Let’s talk about how new technology can help you reach your goals in 2024. Contact us today at: 800.787.4848 or jnolte@ctsmd.us.

Why Local Decision Makers choose CTS-powered Beacon Cloud Voice

With four decades of service, CTS is your single-source technology leader supporting over 5,000 customers across the Mid-Atlantic. Our private and public sector clients count on our complete voice, data, and video solutions - locally and nationwide.

Beacon is a division of CTS, offering a seamless cloud-based communication service. Best of all, local businesses can count on customized solutions, lower prices, and outstanding support.

Tired of poor or no customer service? During your installation, we’re on-site with technicians, project managers, and engineers to guarantee a successful Day One! When you need help after your installation, we’re a phone call away.

We can provide referrals from our many satisfied customers who made the switch to better VoIP pricing, service, and support.

Check out Beacon Cloud Voice here

How does Beacon Cloud Voice compare?

• Lower costs
• No more busy signals
• Complete portability + true mobility
• Effortless scalability
• Advanced features for small + large teams
• Clearer voice quality
• Supports seamless multi-tasking
• More flexibility
• 24 X 7 X 365 service
• Onsite local support + training

Beacon makes Voice easy!

• Desktop phones with vibrant displays
• Advanced web portal for users and administrators
• Need Wi-Fi and cabling? Our networking experts are here to assist.
• VoIP brings it all together… Performance and savings.
• Online management
• Automatic upgrades
• Powerful platform

Ready to connect with the Cloud? We deliver and set up everything. Contact us at 443.577.1733 or jnolte@ctsmd.us.

Get $250 Extra Holiday Cash… We Want Your Referrals!

Know someone who is looking for a new phone system? Grappling with a Hybrid workforce? Is moving their office? A friend who needs faster broadband or Wi-Fi? A business partner who wants to add Sound Masking to their space?

Tell us about it... Just mention the "Newsletter Referral Program" when you contact us – we'll take care of the rest. CTS rewards you with $250 when we get their business. And there's no paperwork hassle or hoops to jump through.

Contact us with your sales tip at: 800.787.4848 or jnolte@ctsmd.us.